Maj (Ret’d) Don MacNeil passed away at 68 years of age after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was a man fully dedicated to an impressive military career of 35 years that took him to many countries. He relished the challenges his career offered and always appreciated the honour of serving alongside soldiers from Canada and other countries. He was also glad for the opportunities and adventures military life presented his family.
Left to mourn are his loyal and loving wife Eliza (nee Karoulla), stepdaughter Joanne Mulholland (Julien) and granddaughter Georghia, stepson George, sister Yvonne, brothers Glenn (Michelle) and Brian and close family friend Carole Travis as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his father Warrant Officer 2 Earle MacNeil, mother Margaret (nee Aylward) and brother Patrick (“Paddy”).
Born in St. John’s NL, Don attended Brother Rice High School and Memorial University of Newfoundland. Following a proud military tradition, he served from an early age as an Army Cadet throughout high school and commanded 2515 St. John’s Army Cadet Corps in his final year. As a bilingual Armour (tank) officer, Don remained a loyal officer of his Regiment, the 12e Régiment blindé du Canada, and wore its cap badge for his entire career. He commanded troops in operational missions inside and outside Canada, served in Germany, taught tank gunnery at the Royal Canadian Armour School, and served as a very effective staff officer in a number of positions. Always proud of being a Newfoundlander, Don was especially happy to return to his home province and serve at the NL Militia District HQ as Chief of Staff.
In 1994, Don was deployed to Rwanda with the United Nations where his valiant conduct, devotion to duty and distinguished service saved hundreds of lives and earned him a Mention in Dispatches award from the Queen of Canada. His other awards include the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, the UN medal for service in Cyprus and the Canadian Forces Decoration for his 35 years of faithful service to Canada. His operational service was also recognized by the Canadian War Museum where some of his artifacts are on permanent display and in the Museum’s research library.
After removing the uniform, Don was employed as an operational planner at the Canadian Forces College in Toronto. He served as a focal point for his fellow Rwanda Veterans and organized several reunions with their former Commander, Lieutenant – General Roméo Dallaire.
Don was loved by many and touched all he came in contact with. His generosity of spirit, positive attitude, constant good humour, ability to cut through nonsense and jolly and friendly demeanour were legendary. He will be greatly missed by all.
Special thanks to the staff at Northumberland Hills Hospital Cancer and Supportive Care Clinic. Flowers are welcome and donations can be made to Northumberland Hills Hospital Cancer and Supportive Care Clinic in Don’s memory.
Friends and family are invited to a funeral service on Thursday, June 22 at 1pm in the Sacred Space of Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services, 280 Beechwood Ave. Ottawa, ON. Burial will follow in the National Military Cemetery at Beechwood at 2pm. The family invites guests to join them for a reception in the Beechwood National Memorial Centre following the burial.
Digital Guestbook
Bertram Frandsen
Michel Maisonneuve
My old friend has left this earth for better places. What a superb individual he was. We arrived together at 12e RBC as lieutenants and lived in the mess. Don was my best friend. Subsequently we served together in Gagetown at the RCAC School. Don, un Newfie, était l'instructeur francophone en cannonnerie. Quels bon moments passés à l'heure de bonne entente avec John Carter (RIP) et d'autres. Plus tard, ensemble encore au Régiment, déployés en mission à Chypre. The good times continued. He had a fabulous career in support of his country and remained positive to the end. I miss him already. RIP Donny, you've helped Canada grow. ADSUM
Andre Demers
A great friend, mentor and officer. We served in UNAMIR together (and never lost sight of each other ever since)- he took me under his wing in the Humanitarian Assistance Cell - learned a lot under him. Don - Je me souviens mon ami - repose en paix. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Bob (Marti) Martinell, RCE (Retd)
Great memories of Don as “senior subbie” in the Valcartier Mess and immensely enjoyed his ability to turn things around no matter how dire. He certainly made me wonder if I followed the correct path as he really enjoyed everything he got his teeth into … we crossed paths many times including Gagetown and CFC and like a true Newfoundlander, never lost the edge to see the light side of life. I’ll miss hearing updates on what you’re doing now … rest in peace my friend, so well deserved.
Denis Daigneault
My sincere condolences to the MacNeill family. I worked with Don for many years as staff officers at the Canadian Forces College. Don was an excellent work colleague and an even better friend. RIP Don, you will be missed.
Stephan Leitner
I had the honour to work with Don on numerous exercises. I loved him, his spirit and his comradeship. Great guy, always approachable.
I think it says a lot that it took me a long time to learn about his amazing career and his merits in Rwanda. Because other people told me, he was a modest person not making big fuzz about himself.
Miss you, rest in peace, Don!
Major Steven D Gasser (Ret’d)
RIP Don. I remember the great times we had at the CF School of Military Engineering - Tactics Troop as instructors together. CHIMO!
Craig Fletcher
I too have known Don for many years. He was a real character - always ready to crack a joke and boost morale. He was a perfect fit for the army as others have laid testament. Rest in Peace Don.
Chris Chance
It was my great pleasure to have served with Don. He was a man of great character who made us all laugh and who distinguished himself by saving so many in Rwanda. Despite health challenges later in life, he didn’t let these slow him down. He always had a twinkle in his eye and was a great friend. God Speed Donnie. A shining light has dimmed but there is a new star in Heaven.
Gary Meisner
A true gentleman and a loyal, hard working soldier whom I am proud to have served with and call a "Buddy". I am deeply saddened to learn of Don's passing and offer my sincere condolences to his family and many, many friends.
Sad news; my condolences to the MacNeil family. I worked with Don at the Canadian Forces College 2000-2005. He was a terrific Army officer and a great person, and always ready with a laugh and a good story.